Just two months to take advantage of planning support from CREA

Any business in Cumbria looking to put in a planning application could think about taking advantage of this service from CREA (Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency). In essence they have enough cash in the pot to help around 20 businesses find their way through the planning application minefiled. See their press release below:

PRESS RELEASE

Just two months to make the most of Cumbria’s award-winning planning support

The award-winning Rural Planning Facilitation Service (RPFS), managed by Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency, has funding and capacity to help at least 20 more businesses with their planning applications before the money runs out later in the year.

 “The service has been available since 2002 and has helped almost 1000 rural businesses in Cumbria to develop and grow,” said Lynne Fox, CREA’s Chief Executive. “Businesses get expert input from a professional planning advisor before they prepare a planning application, avoiding any pitfalls, emphasising the benefits of their idea, exploring options and anticipating possible challenges.”

“From our past experience, we know that businesses that have anticipated potential issues and have already addressed planning concerns will be in the best position to win approval and make the most of their business ideas,” said Lynne.  “And we’ve worked with projects within the Lake District National Park and in other sensitive areas over the years so any rural project can benefit from our advice.”

The Northwest Regional Development Agency has supported the RPFS since it began but is not able to continue funding beyond November 2011.  “We are sorry to see the end of the funding but keen to ensure that every last penny is invested in support of Cumbria’s growth,” said Lynne.

“The service is free to businesses and can cover all sorts of work, from innovative new builds and farm building conversions to sustainable energy installations.  But we need people to get in touch as soon as possible so that they can meet with an adviser on site, and get the advice for free before the funding finishes.  After November, the service will still be available but on a chargeable basis.”

 The Cumbria Rural Planning Facilitation Service (RPFS) won the national RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Rural Planning Award in 2008 in recognition of its work with businesses and planning advisers across rural Cumbria.  “The award was a real stamp of approval for a practical approach that has helped so many Cumbrian businesses to develop successfully,” said Lynne.  “Now we just need to make sure that anyone wanting that help now is aware of what’s on offer but also of the urgency to act now.”

 Business owners interested in finding out more should contact Gemma Barnes in CREA’s Kendal offices on 01539 726624 or via gemma@crea.co.uk.

 ENDS

 Caption: Lynne Fox, Chief Executive of Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency

 Case studies

Case studies of businesses across Cumbria that have benefited from the Rural Planning Facilitation Service can be found online at www.crea.co.uk.These include Wasdale Yurt Holidays (west Cumbria), Holmescales Activity Centre (near Kendal), Peter Toaig Furniture (near Penrith) and Castlerigg Camp Site (near Keswick).

Notes

The mission of the Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency is to regenerate and strengthen the rural economy by creating sustainable employment. 

It was established in 1983 with a small team based in Kendal but it now has offices and facilities for small businesses and meetings in both Kendal and Penrith.  CREA’s portfolio of services includes Business Start-Up Advice, the Rural Planning Facilitation Service and Rural Small Building Grant Scheme, the Food Technology Centre, the Cumbria Business Environment Network and the Resource Efficiency Programme.

Since it began in 2002, the Rural Planning Facilitation Service has helped 958 businesses.  Other data, collected since 2006, indicate that it has supported the creation of more than 30 jobs and safeguarded over 40 jobs.

For further information, please contact

Sally Seed                                         Lynne Fox

Stoneleigh Communications               Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency

01539 624732                                  01539 726624